Optimal Sizing of Hybrid Renewable Microgrids and Performance Evaluation of Electric Boats as an Alternative for River Transport in Colombia’s Pacific Region

In the Latin American Pacific region, rivers are the primary transportation routes for isolated and non-interconnected areas; however, river transport relies heavily on fossil fuels, resulting in high operating costs, CO2 emissions, and energy dependence. To address this challenge, this study proposes a methodology for the optimal sizing of renewable-based charging stations specifically adapted to the environmental and operational conditions of the Colombian Pacific coast. This research fills a critical gap in the literature by moving beyond urban-centric charging models and simplified theoretical assumptions, instead integrating real river navigation data with technical modeling of electric boat energy consumption. The methodology evaluates the technical, economic, and operational performance of photovoltaic and hybrid photovoltaic–hydrokinetic microgrids designed to ensure reliability under the region’s extreme resource seasonality and bimodal pluvial regime. Results indicate that while purely photovoltaic systems offer lower initial investment costs, hybrid configurations significantly enhance energy resilience by leveraging complementary renewable sources during periods of low solar irradiation. Crucially, the transition to electric propulsion reduces annual CO2 emissions by more than 98%, mitigating approximately 3421 kg per vessel compared to conventional 20 HP gasoline engines. A comparative analysis shows that the 1.1 kW electric boat is a cost-effective solution, with a 1.76-year return on investment. In contrast, the 4 kW model offers operational performance comparable to conventional gasoline boats, with a 4.95-year payback. This study provides a foundational framework for sustainable mobility in high-vulnerability territories by adapting technological solutions to site-specific environmental realities.